Who Really Built The Empire State Building? episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 27, 2026 · 34 MIN

Who Really Built The Empire State Building?

from Now I've Heard Everything · host Bill Thompson

n this conversation, Glenn Kurtz discusses his book 'Men at Work: The Empire State Building and the Untold Story of the Craftsman Who Built It,' shedding light on the often-overlooked workers who constructed the iconic skyscraper. He emphasizes the lack of documentation about these laborers, the dangers they faced, and the diverse backgrounds they came from, primarily as immigrants. The discussion also highlights the role of photographer Lewis Hine in documenting these workers and the racial dynamics present in the workforce. Ultimately, Kurtz aims to give recognition to these individuals and their contributions to one of America's most famous landmarks.Guest InformationGlenn KurtzWebsiteSocial:Facebook InstagramGet your copy of Men At Work by Glenn KurtzAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Empire State Building's Builders03:10 The Unsung Heroes: The Workers Behind the Construction06:05 The Dangers Faced by Workers09:03 The Diverse Workforce: Immigrants and Their Stories1:46 The Challenge of Documenting Workers' Lives14:51 Lewis Hine: The Photographer of the Workers17:59 The Changing Perception of Immigrant Labor21:05 Recognition and Legacy of the Workers24:09 Conclusion: The Importance of Remembering the BuildersFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts. and now on YouTube

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 27, 2026

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Who Really Built The Empire State Building?

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